ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Year Attorney Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

First Year Attorney information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$39.9K

$96.9K

$189.2K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Milwaukee, WI is $96,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $118,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first year attorney?

A first year attorney is a lawyer who has recently graduated from law school and has just begun practicing law, typically in their first year at a law firm or legal organization. These attorneys are often referred to as 'associates' and usually focus on learning the foundational aspects of legal practice, performing research, drafting documents, and assisting more senior lawyers. The first year is considered a training period where new attorneys gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and begin to build their legal careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate work, meeting client and firm expectations, and building a successful legal career from the outset.

What are some common challenges faced by first year attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

First year attorneys often face challenges related to managing a steep learning curve, balancing heavy workloads, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department. It's common to feel overwhelmed by billable hour requirements and the expectation to deliver high-quality work while learning firm procedures. Building strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, seeking regular feedback, and taking proactive steps to improve time management skills can help ease the transition. Many firms also offer training programs and support networks to assist new attorneys in developing their legal and professional skills.

What is the difference between First Year Attorney vs Law Clerk?

AspectFirst Year AttorneyLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsJ.D. degree, bar admissionJ.D. degree, often bar admission not required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesCourts, law firms, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, post-law schoolJudicial and legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Attorneys and Law Clerks often share similar educational backgrounds, but First Year Attorneys are typically recent law school graduates working as entry-level lawyers, while Law Clerks usually assist judges or attorneys with research and drafting. Both roles require a J.D. degree, but First Year Attorneys are more involved in client representation and legal practice, whereas Law Clerks focus on research and case preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their career goals and experience.

What are popular job titles related to First Year Attorney jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

For First Year Attorney jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,879 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Real Estate Attorney

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Milwaukee, WI • Hybrid

$165K - $248K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago

Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 311 rated insurance

Job description

The Northwestern Mutual Law Department is seeking an experienced and agile real estate attorney to join our Real Estate Investment Team. You'll have the opportunity to lead sophisticated real estate transactions, working alongside top real estate talent. This role is well-suited for an early-career attorney who is ready to take on increasing responsibility with strong mentorship and support from experienced in-house attorneys.

About the Job:

This attorney will support the Company's $60+ billion real estate investment portfolio, including providing legal advice on matters relating to the Company's commercial mortgage loan and real estate equity portfolio; most legal work is handled entirely in-house. Specifically:

  • serve as primary legal counsel to the Company's real estate investment professionals in structuring, negotiating and documenting complex, commercial mortgage loans (floating, fixed, permanent and construction), real estate acquisitions and joint venture and development transactions; and
  • provide legal support for a wide range of asset management and loan servicing activities for the Company's real estate investment portfolio including development matters, joint venture amendments, consents to loan transfers, leasing and management agreements, and other asset management and loan servicing needs.

What You'll Bring to the Role:

  • 3-5 years of legal experience in one or more of the following areas:commercial mortgage lending, commercial real estate development, real estate joint ventures, large, commercial real estate acquisitions.
  • A Juris Doctorate degree and exemplary academic record; note that a license to practice law in the State of Wisconsin or a commitment to become licensed within the first year of employment isrequired.

What Sets You Apart:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Highly analytical and curious mind.
  • Creative, detail-oriented, with the judgment to navigate ambiguity and the willingness to ask questions and collaborate.
  • High integrity, ethical standards, and a positive, collaborative attitude.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and able to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and practical business judgment, with a focus on client service.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving business needs.

Skills You'll Have:

  • Accountability: Holds self accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results, delivery, and execution. Determines objectives, sets priorities.
  • Business Influence: Collaborates, communicates and influences stakeholders, and other business functions based on understanding of the marketplace, organizational needs, and the client.
  • Decision Making: Makes timely, decisions by understanding the probability of success, identifying risks, gathering business requirements, and developing value statements.
  • Project Management: Delivers projects in alignment to business requirements, specific success criteria, and stakeholder expectations.
  • Risk Assessment & Identification: Leverages industry knowledge to determine and seek hazards that could potentially prevent the program, enterprise, or investment from achieving their objectives.

Why Northwestern Mutual?

  • Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and nationally recognized Law Department, with 130+ members from across the country and a culture that values every background and perspective.
  • Work in-house on high-impact projects, with minimal reliance on outside counsel and direct engagement in business strategy.
  • Competitive compensation, annual bonus eligibility, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Join a Fortune 500 leader with $378 billion in assets, $38 billion in revenues, and a legacy of helping millions achieve financial security.

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$144,000.00

Pay Range - End:

$216,000.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$158,400.00 USD - $237,600.00 USD

Structure 115:

$165,600.00 USD - $248,400.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.


Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!


Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.


What Northwestern Mutual employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northwestern Mutual logo

About Northwestern Mutual

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

View All Northwestern Mutual Jobs

Apply